Report: Alouettes have reached out to Michael Sam, own his CFL rights

The Montreal Alouettes own Michael Sam's Canadian Football League rights and have tried to contact him, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Sam, who became the first openly gay player selected in the NFL draft when St. Louis picked him in the seventh round this year, did not make the Rams' roster and will not be signed to their practice squad after clearing waivers. He is free to sign with any team.

Sam, 24, compiled three sacks and 11 tackles over four preseason games with St. Louis, which is considered to have one of the deepest defensive lines in the league.

Former Colts coach Tony Dungy, who came under scrutiny in July for saying he wouldn't have drafted Michael Sam because he "wouldn't want to deal with all of it," has commended Sam for his play during the preseason.

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Monday that he doubts that Michael Sam's sexuality is the reason he has not been signed by a team.

In his final season at Missouri, Sam recorded 11.5 sacks and was named the SEC's defensive player of the year.

By the way, the @MTLAlouettes of the #CFL own the rights to DE Michael Sam. They have reached out to him, no word yet though.